What does it mean word for word?
The word patron literally refers to the person who owns or controls a business or establishment, making mon patron mean "my boss" or "my employer".
Which one should you use?
Use mon patron when referring to a male boss and ma patronne when referring to a female boss.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In professional contexts, you can use the more formal term mon supérieur or ma supérieure to mean "my superior". When addressing your boss directly, the most neutral and respectful method is to use Monsieur or Madame followed by their last name. The English word boss is also used in French but is considered informal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, it is common to use the word patron or patronne to refer to one's boss.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes gender to match the boss: use ma patronne for a female boss.
Did you know?
- In French, patron can also refer to a sewing pattern used to cut fabric for clothing.
- In modern French corporate jargon, an employee might refer to their immediate boss as their N+1. This numerical shorthand describes the person exactly one level above them in the organizational hierarchy.
- The word patron is etymologically rooted in the Latin word pater, meaning 'father'. It carries a historical connotation of a protector or a paternal figure rather than just a professional superior.
Examples in context
- Tu es mon patron.You're my boss.This sentence is useful for saying "You're my boss."Tatoeba #5820607 by Aiji, translation #2218210 by CK
- Parle à mon patron.Talk to my boss.This sentence is useful for the command "Talk to my boss."Tatoeba #5326378 by Aiji, translation #2648976 by CK
- Je déteste mon patron.I hate my boss.This sentence is useful for expressing "I hate my boss."Tatoeba #5552792 by sacredceltic, translation #4384890 by Hybrid
- Bonjour Chef, j'ai terminé le rapport dont nous avons discuté hier.Hello boss, I finished the report we discussed yesterday.
- Bonjour patronne, je voulais vous présenter mon rapport trimestriel.Hello boss, I wanted to present my quarterly report to you.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are talking about a work project.
- GabrielJ'ai un rendez-vous avec mon patron.I have a meeting with my boss.
- ManonEst-ce qu'il est sévère ?Is he strict?
- GabrielNon, mon patron est très gentil.No, my boss is very kind.
- ManonC'est super pour toi, Gabriel !That's great for you, Gabriel!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mon, patron, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
